The Cabane Vauban and the cliffs at Carolles

Discover the must-see spots on the “most beautiful kilometre in France”

Steep cliffs, a turquoise sea, fortified lookout posts and a spectacular view across the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel: you can only be on the path to the Cabane Vauban! A top attraction in La Manche, this spot is not to be missed and you can visit it during a walk along the “most beautiful kilometre in France”. But there are other options, including paragliding, horse-drawn carriages, cycling and nature walks: see our suggestions on how to enjoy this magical place.

What to do near the Cabane Vauban – Our suggestions

Hiking

the perfect walk

The path to the Cabane Vauban is definitely one of the most gorgeous walks in La Manche! From Carolles, follow the GR® 223 hiking trail towards the Lude valley. Carry on to the Cabane Vauban to enjoy the panoramic view across the vast Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. Next, stroll through the bird reserve on the cliffs at Carolles, then walk down to a fine sandy beach, before heading towards the Vallée des Peintres (or Painters’ Valley). This is a moderate challenging, 6 km circular route. Wear good shoes and enjoy the views!

Tip: Why not do this walk in the off-season? The path gets quite busy in summer.

The walk

Paragliding: take to the skies

What could be better than a paragliding experience as a unique way to discover this magical place? Seen from above, everything looks completely different. An adrenaline rush you’ll never forget!

A ride in a horse-drawn carriage

At the equestrian farm of Les Courlis, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage to see the cliffs at Champeaux. You’ll follow a former railway line along the coastal path. An unusual and relaxing way to explore the remarkable landscapes, perfect for children or people with reduced mobility.

The carriage ride

Birding walks with a guide

The cliffs at Carolles are a renowned birding spot, especially during the migration period from September to December. Sébastien from Birding Zen will take you on a walk and help you to reconnect with nature. Take time to look, listen and observe, and you might come across a rare little bird, the Dartford warbler. You could see up to 30 different bird species on a birding walk, including the firecrest, the bullfinch and the marsh tit. To switch off completely, why not try an outdoor yoga session?

Birding Mont Saint-Michel

What to see near the cliffs at Carolles

Just a few kilometres from Granville, in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, you’ll find a wild and unspoiled place: “the most beautiful kilometre in France”. This term describes the coastal path along the top of the cliffs at Champeaux. It was coined by Édouard Herriot, a prominent French statesman of the Third Republic, the first time he saw the view from the path. The description was then taken up by Eisenhower, General of the US army during the Second World War. This place is well worth a visit!

The cliffs here plunge down to the sea with the Mont Saint-Michel as a backdrop. Here are the spots you shouldn’t miss during your visit:

The cliffs at Carolles and Champeaux

Towering between 60 and 80 m above the sea, the cliffs offer spectacular views across the bay of Mont Saint-Michel. The granite cliffs are covered with heathland plants such as heather, gorse, broom and blackthorn. The scenery here changes according to the largest tides in Europe, and the light and colours are never the same.

The Vauban lookout posts

On the cliffs at Carolles, don’t miss the most famous of the Vauban lookout posts. Built in the 17th century from granite and shale, this former guardhouse was used to watch over the bay from Mont-Saint-Michel to Granville. It was part of a network built by Vauban to protect the bay from the English. A bit further on, a second lookout post can be seen in Champeaux, and there’s a third one in Saint Jean le Thomas. Stop off and enjoy the view!

The Lude valley

Surrounded by rugged cliffs, this small natural harbour is full of charm. A stream, the Lude, trickles over the pebbles into the sea. You can swim here at high tide and gather shellfish at low tide. The Lude valley has been a protected natural area since 1973.

Le rocher du Diable (The Devil’s Rock)

According to legend, this breach in the cliffs is the result of a fight between good and evil. During a battle with the Devil, Saint Michael the Archangel split the cliff with a blow of his sword. Satan then hid behind Sard Rock, also known as Devil’s Rock, which you’ll see if you keep an eye out!